Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder as phytogenic feed additives improves the production performance, and immune organ indices of broiler chickens

Abstract

In recent years, incorporating phytogenic feed additives as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics is promising in poultry production. It is commonly added to poultry diets to boost immunity and improve production performance. This study was conducted to ascertain the potential of neem leaf powder (NLP) on broiler chickens’ production and cell-mediated immunity. Sixty Cobb broiler chickens were distributed to four experimental treatments containing graded levels of NLP, 0% (T1 ), 2% (T2 ), 4% (T3 ), and 6% (T4 ) and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design experimental set-up. Each treatment was replicated three times, with five birds in each replication. The bi-weekly body weight gain (BWG), average daily gain (ADG), voluntary feed intake (VFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cell-mediated immunity, and return above feed and chick costs were observed within 42 days experimental period. The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) from all parameters, except for the cell-mediated immunity. The feed intake of broiler chickens was significantly reduced, whereas birds without NLP got the highest feed intake. Although feed intake of broiler chickens fed with NLP was significantly reduced, the body weight gain was not affected. Also, the feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens fed with 4% NLP showed better than birds fed with 0%, 2%, and 6% NLP. In return above feed and chick cost, birds fed with 4% NLP is more profitable, and the income generated increases as high as 25.73% compared to the birds fed without NLP in the diet. In conclusion, 4% NLP could be incorporated into the diets of broiler chickens without fear of compromising growth and immunity responses.